Korean Job Discussion Forums

wannago · Joined: 16 Apr 2004

In the contract for my new public school teaching gig, there is an option to either take the school provided housing or they will give me 300,000/month to get my own. Is 300,000 enough to get a decent place? Any thoughts?

BTW, this would be in Pyongtak.

justagirl · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Cheonan/Portland

I think it's money for Pyongtek, to get a small apartment. Maybe around 12-15 pyong, if you have a Korean to help you look around. I live in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Cheonan and our 13 pyong apartment is 300,000 a month. We have some friends who live in a different part of town and their 300,000/month gets them 28 pyong! If only we'd known! Very Happy

However, it WON'T be enough to pay for the deposit. Usually apartments have a deposit or "key money" which is 2 to 5 million won. Then you pay the 300,000+ a month for rent. Will your school pay the key money? And also, where will you stay until you find an apartment? Will you be picking up the tab for the hotel while you look for an apartment? Who will help you find the apartment?

justagirl

prosodic · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Location: ��

Will they let you look at the place they provide or do you have to decide before you go? If it's the former, then take a look at it and decide if you're willing to live there.

By the way, one pyong is 3.3 square meters. Some of my Korean friends tell me that it is not unusual for a single person to live in an apartment that is only 8 or 9 pyong. Personally, I think that's basically a shoebox, especially when you consider that it includes the bathroom and kitchenette. The 12-15 pyong that Justagirl mentioned is still small by western standards, but can be comfortable.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Unless you've got your own means to lay down a few million deposit, you'll be going with the provided accommodation. Chances are it'll be okay.

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

Check the housing out first and then make a decision. Smile

justagirl · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Cheonan/Portland

Our apartment is either 12 or 13 pyong. I measured it and it came to 270 square feet, not including a little storage area for the washing machine. It's not horrible, but when we go home, I'm going for a big apartment! I keep looking at some with 900-1000 square feet and think of how roomy it would be. Smile

I can't wait!

wannago · Joined: 16 Apr 2004

Thanks guys...great advice as usual.